President Bush has outlined decisive government action to preserve and sustain America's financial system and economy. This is a pivotal moment for America's economy. Problems that originated in the credit markets – and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages – have spread throughout our financial system. As a result, the government is acting now to protect our Nation's economic health from serious risk.

The President delivered the keynote speech at the White House Summit on International Development: Sustaining the New Era, which was held on October 21st in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Secretary Rice also gave opening remarks.

President Bush's top priority is the safety and security of the American people. Though America and its allies are safer since 9/11, we are not yet safe. We have important challenges ahead as we wage a long-term battle not just against terrorists, but against the ideology that supports their agenda.

President George W. Bush joins FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey during the playing of the national anthem Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, at the graduation ceremony for FBI special agents in Quantico, Va. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

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President Bush on Wednesday said, "We had a discussion today on several major topics. We talked about the progress on the election law and on the hydrocarbon law, but we also talked about the status of forces agreement, called the SOFA. President Barzani has been a very strong advocate of the Iraqi government passing the SOFA, and I appreciate that." In Focus: Global Diplomacy

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President Bush on Monday said, "We remember many of our Presidents as leaders made for a unique moment in our history. President Roosevelt, as John said, was a man for all seasons. He was a soldier who won the Medal of Honor, a peacemaker who won the Nobel Prize. He was one of the world's most daring big game hunters, and a leading advocate for conservation of our country's natural resources. He was an intellectual who sometimes read several books a day, as John mentioned, and he wrestled here at the White House."

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President Bush on Monday said, "I told the President that the United States wants to help. We want to help with education and health care. We care deeply about people being able to work. Our -- we believe in the social justice agenda. I believe that -- that it's important that the United States be in a position to help influence the lives of citizens that simply want a more hopeful day. And Mr. President, it gives me great comfort to know that you're the person with whom we can work." En EspañolIn Focus: Global Diplomacy